Nintendo’s latest entry in its “ask the developer” interview series sheds light on some exciting new details about the highly anticipated launch title for the Switch 2, Mario Kart World. In the interview, producer Kosuke Yabuki explains the decision behind not naming the game Mario Kart 9, despite being a direct sequel to the popular Mario Kart 8. The team’s goal was to elevate the series to a new level by focusing on open-world design, hence the decision to go with a fresh title, Mario Kart World.
The development team also delves into the game’s origins on the original Switch, revealing that key features of World, such as the interconnected map and the increase in the number of players per race from 12 to 24, were initially challenging to implement on the previous hardware. With the transition to the Switch 2, the team found a renewed sense of hope and opportunity to fully realize their vision for the game.
The Q&A session touches on various aspects of the game, including the staggering 200 tracks available and the significance of food in the game’s worldbuilding. A surprising detail revealed in the interview is the inclusion of a character named Cow in the roster of racers, with art director Masaaki Ishikawa highlighting Cow’s importance in the Mario Kart series.
Overall, the interview provides a glimpse into the creative process behind Mario Kart World and sets the stage for an exciting and innovative gaming experience. Fans of the franchise can look forward to a fresh take on the beloved racing series with the upcoming release.
